Equine Therapies

The benefits of equine massage therapy have since been found to be hugely beneficial to all horses by:

​ Increasing the range of movement and stride length.
Reducing the activity of nociceptive pain receptors.
Reducing muscle tension and soreness.
Reducing muscle spasm.
Encouraging a greater flexibility and range of motion.
Promoting an increased sense of wellbeing.
Enhancing blood flow.
Improving proprioception.
Reducing stress.
Improving posture, circulation, coat and muscle tone.
Offering support to the immune system.
Helping to prevent injury.
Reducing fatigue.

Every horse differse both mentally & physically. As a therapist I can recommend the appropriate techniques to apply based on my assessments on the day. Following my visit I may advise several adaptations to your current training routines. This could include environmental factors, exercises, stretches, other professionals such as Saddler, dentist, bit & bridle, vet or farrier. All of which could be benefitial to your horse's health.

Your horse will be assessed by myself, both statically and dynamically, this may include in hand and ridden work. I will also look at their conformation, posture, muscle asymmetry, hoof balance/shoeing as well as any tack or equipment used. This will be done alongside taking a full medical and lifestyle history.

Following on from this I will do an initial palpation, feeling for any areas of tightness/change in muscle tone, inflammation, heat or cold, areas of discomfort or decreased range of movement. All of which form a vital part of the assessment. I will then use a range of specific soft tissue techniques to aid relaxation and recovery, working through any areas that present themselves. I may also decide that other modalities may be required to gain the desired outcome. Horses are stoic animals & as such will very often hide pain. This however can usually be detected once the horse relaxes and the tissues are warmed sufficiently.